Christmas came twice when I was a professional cricketer. Once in December,
and again on March 1. Why March 1? Because on the first day of pre-season,
every player was given a large bundle of branded kit – T-shirts, tracksuits,
the full monty. But the problems started when you unwrapped them. What
disappointment: shapeless tracksuits, tent-like T-shirts and, horror of
horrors, the once ubiquitous shell suit.

So I have a confession to make: when I watch sport today, I suffer a hint of
jealousy about the vastly superior kit. Baggy T-shirts have been elbowed
aside for fitted, tailored, technically advanced kit.